Dale R. Ritter is excited to talk about history, and surely his students at Parkland High School appreciate his knowledge and enthusiasm.

But it isn’t until he starts talking about World War II soldiers and tanks he becomes truly animated.

Ritter recently had his third book, “The Tiger Project: A Series Devoted to Germany’s World War II Tiger Tank Crews: Dr. Günter Polzin–Schwere Panzer (Tiger) Abteilung 503,” published by Schiffer Company, which specializes in military history books.

Tiger Tanks were powerful vehicles deployed on all German fronts during WWII.

Ritter calls them the “best tanks of the war.” His books, however, do not concentrate on the tanks but rather on the “… men who crewed these battlefield behemoths.”

His latest book covers the story of Günter Polzin who served with the 2nd Company of 503, an outfit equipped throughout the war with the Tiger Tank.

Included is the perspective of Martin Burmester, another member of 2nd Company/503.

According to Ritter, there was not much information printed previously about 2nd Company - it was considered to be the “gray mouse” and was not given much credit in the initial runs of the 503 history.

Ritter spent four years on active duty as a mechanized infantryman in the 3rd and 24th Infantry Divisions of the U.S. Army.

While stationed in Germany, he developed a strong interest in the personal experiences of Germany’s World War II veterans.

That generated ongoing correspondence with the veterans and eventually evolved into a more focused study of and correspondence with Germany’s Tiger Panzer soldiers.

His books, including “Book One – Alfred Rubbel – Schwere Panzer (Tiger) Abteilung 503” and “Book 2: Horst Krönke – Schwere Panzer (Tiger) Abteilung 505,” are based on interviews, personal diaries and recollections from the soldiers who served.

They offer the human side of the Germans, a former enemy. “Soldiers are soldiers,” said Ritter. A reviewer noted that Ritter’s books are “… excellent reads - great insights into the typical German soldier’s mind.”

In 2012, Ritter, a 1988 graduate of Emmaus High School, received Pennsylvania VFW’s “Voice of Democracy Teacher of the Year” award.

The award recognizes high school educators who encourage their students to study and write about the important role veterans have played in protecting and preserving America’s freedom.

That same year, his daughter, Mackenzie, who was then an eighth-grade student at Brandywine Heights Middle School, earned the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot’s Pen award for middle school students in Pennsylvania.

Ritter, who also is an adjunct professor at Northampton County Community College, lives with his wife and three daughters in Longswamp Township.

His books are available through amazon.com.